The 2026 All-Star Week slate will kick off with the fourth annual HBCU Swingman Classic on July 10 at Citizens Bank Park, with players from 19 different HBCUs being represented.
The teams will be led by former Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins and 14-year MLB vet Ricky Weekes. Players on the 25-man rosters are selected by a committee that includes Baseball HOFer Ken Griffey Jr., reps from MLB and the Players’ Association and scouts.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker will throw out the ceremonial first pitch, with all the players getting to visit City Hall beforehand and paying tribute to Octavius V. Catto, an HBCU alum who went on to become a civil rights activist and co-founder of one of America’s first organized black baseball teams.
“What the genesis of what this game is about is opportunity to play on a national stage and creating some excitement and experience for these players,” MLB SVP/Baseball Development Del Matthews said.
